Administrative Professionals Week 2019

Administrative Professionals Day / Week 2019 (APW) is fast approaching. There has been a good deal of controversy around this "holiday" over the past few years. Personally, I'm a fan. I thrive on gratitude, so a day dedicated to being grateful for the job I pour my heart and soul into gets two thumbs up from me. If you don't agree, feel feel free to move along. That being said, here are some of the my AWP tips for managers and executives:

• Please don't forget the admin in the office who organizes the gifts for the other admins.
• One size does not fit all. Not everyone wants flowers or chocolate, or to go to lunch with their boss. Personalize it. My favorite gifts have been the ones that demonstrate my boss knew ME as well as I knew them.
  • examples: Tickets to a Broadway show I wanted to see, large balance Starbucks gift cards (I'm addicted), and flights (purchased with points) to see my family.
  • And from the other end of the spectrum: Red Wine (everyone in the office knew it gave me migraines) and tickets to a sporting event of my least favorite team.
• Follow through. If you are out of the office, but tell your admin "we'll go to lunch when I get back," GO TO LUNCH WHEN YOU GET BACK. 
• At the minimum, acknowledge the day and say thank you.
  

Please please please acknowledge your admin in some way. I can't tell you how many emails and calls I have received over the years from devastated admins who did not receive even a card or a verbal thank you.

Need some ideas? Here are a few of my favorites:

• If your admin is into professional development, send them (all expenses paid) to one of the administrative professional conferences
• Get you admin a subscription to Executive Secretary Magazine
• Give them a Visa or American Express gift card, so they can choose what they want to purchase
• Provide additional day(s) off

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I've poked around the internet and found some small admin-centric gifts to accompany the wonderful personalize gifts I know all you incredible executives all going to get for your amazing support teams :) If you have any other cute gift ideas, please post them in the comments. Thank you! 

Debbi